RETURN TO THE 4TH KINGDOM ~ part two
By Elizabeth

Disclaimer: I do not own The Tenth Kingdom nor any of its characters. I am merely a fan who is writing a continuation of the story for fun and non-profit.

Synopsis: Wolf and Virginia return to the Tenth Kingdom and try to start a new life together. But as Virginia had said their lives will be disrupted by another crisis of The Kingdoms. The Queen was far better prepared to die than any of them realized. Wolf and Virginia must return to the 4th Kingdom to fight for the fair land again.

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CHAPTER 11
In Dreams

The next morning when Virginia woke up it was still dark, and it was raining so hard. Wolf was asleep beside her, Snoring softly. As she stared up at the ceiling she decided that she needed to tell her father about Ezmerelda. There was really something about her that freaked her out. Virginia knew that she'd never get back to sleep now, so she put on her bathrobe and went to take a bath. As she eased herself into the hot water, she heard Wolf jump out of bed.

"Virginia, where are you?" he called.

"Taking a bath," she called from the bathroom. She hoped whatever Wolf wanted could wait about an hour; all she really wanted to do was soak for a while. "What's the matter?" She asked.

"Nothing much, I was just worried when I woke up and you weren't there," he said.

What was he worried about? "I just decided to take a bath, why?"

"I don't know. I'm going to go and find your father," he said as he left the room.

"What, why?" she called, but the only answer she got was the sound of the door shutting. What had gotten into him?

Wolf walked down the hall, muttering to himself. As soon as he fell asleep, he'd had a dream about that mysterious princess at the ball bathing in Virginia's blood; it had really scared him, more than he wanted to admit. Although he woke up in the night, he didn't want to wake Virginia up, she had been sleeping peacefully and she had been so worried before she fell asleep. Another thing that frightened him was the feeling of panic he'd gotten that forced him to wake up. And then he'd opened his eyes and Virginia wasn't there.

Wolf arrived at Tony's door and knocked. He heard some whispered curses, and then Tony opened the door. "What do you want?" he said before he even looked to see who was there, "Oh, mornin' Wolf, what's the matter? Where's Virginia?"

"Taking a bath, why?" Wolf wondered.

"Nothing, just that I had a dream about her last night." Tony shook his head as though he was trying to force his thoughts out. "Not a good one either."

"You had a dream about Virginia being killed?" Wolf was nervous now.

"Why? Is everything alright?" Tony got a panicked look on his face.

"Everything's fine Tone," Wolf reassured him, he wasn't sure he really wanted to tell him about the dream he'd had.

"Then why are you here?"

"I wanted to talk to you about Wendell. I think he plans to marry that princess, and I don't think that's such a good idea." Wolf said.

"Why not?" Tony asked, "What's the matter with her, she's gorgeous."

"Yes, I know, too beautiful. No one gets that beautiful here unless there's something they gave up for that beauty." Wolf was trying to hint at his feelings about the Queen and this mysterious 6th Kingdom princess.

"What do you expect me to do, huh? Go up to the King and say, `you can't marry her cause Wolf thinks she's too beautiful for you'"? Tony was starting to get irritated that Wolf had woken him up just to discuss this.

Wolf sensed the anger building in Tony and decided he'd better leave him alone. "So sorry to wake you up, Tony. I'll just head back now, bye."

"Wait, tell Virginia to come and see me later will you?" Tony called after him.

"Bye."

When Wolf returned to the room, he found Virginia opening the dresser drawers and tossing their contents on the floor. Dresses were thrown aside in heaps. Wolf crept up behind her and grabbed her around the waist. Virginia jumped.

"What are you doing?" She asked him angrily.

"Just playing," Wolf said, "What's the matter?"

"I can't find the necklace I was wearing last night. I took it off and put it in the drawer, but it wasn't there this morning." Virginia told him.

"Are you sure?" Wolf asked her. He felt her stiffen and knew asking that was the wrong thing to do.

"Yes, I'm sure, what do you think I am, stupid? Someone's taken it! I placed it right in the drawer and then I blew out the candle and went to sleep." Virginia said.

"Okay, sorry. Just trying to be helpful."

Virginia realized that she'd hurt his feelings. "I'm so sorry Wolf, it's just too weird." Virginia said. She noticed the worried look in Wolf's eyes. "What?"

"Nothing-I-nothing," Wolf was trying to find a way to say what needed to be said without scaring Virginia. "When I went to go and talk to Tony, he seemed almost scared that you weren't with me." Wolf was being very careful with this one.

"He did? I had the strangest dream last night, I dreamt that I was back in the Swamp and that girl was there, just like my mother had been," Virginia said. "That whole, `finish my work and I'll give you all my power' thing."

"Oh," Wolf replied.

Damn him, whenever she said anything he didn't like that was the only response she got.

"Well, what's going on here?" Virginia asked him.

"I have no idea, but breakfast will be starting soon Virginia. You can talk to your father then. He said that he needed to talk to you." Wolf told her.

"Fine, I'll get dressed. Go wait outside." Virginia said as she looked through the piles of dresses for one to wear.

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CHAPTER 12
After The Ball

Wolf went out into the hallway to wait for Virginia. Now he was really nervous. All three of them had had disturbing dreams. He paced in front of the door, trying to puzzle out the meaning of his dream, which worried him, the most. Just then the door to the next room opened and the red-haired princess stepped out. Ezmerelda was wearing a long green dress with a black sash tied around her tiny waist.

"Cripes."

Ezmerelda saw Wolf and glided towards him, putting her most seductive smile on her face. "Hello, I don't believe we've met. I'm sure I would remember you," she said. "Allow me to introduce myself, the Princess Ezmerelda of the 6th Kingdom."

"Wolf." He wanted this conversation to end now so she'd go away before Virginia came out of the room. He wasn't stupid, he knew what this woman was up to, and he didn't like it.

"I was just heading down to breakfast, would you care to escort me?" she asked.

"I'm waiting for someone." Wolf was hoping that this would be the end of the conversation. It was.

"So sorry, I'm sure King Wendell will be glad to take me to breakfast. Ta-ta." And with that she was gone down the corridor to the royal chambers.

Virginia had finally found a dress that she wanted to wear. It was peach with a little white flower on the neckline. She was thankful to find a dress that wasn't too fancy. She always thought it was silly to wear fancy dresses during the day. She fixed her hair and then went out to the hall to meet Wolf.

Wolf smiled when he saw her and took her hand. "You look beautiful, my creamy love," he said.

Virginia smiled and kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you." She said. And to think she'd been worried that he was looking at the princess. She should have known that he wouldn't do that to her.

However, when they arrived downstairs, her blissful mood was shattered almost instantly. As she and Wolf went to take their seats at the royal table, there was Ezmerelda and Wendell was holding her hand! Virginia stared, but then her father noticed her and beckoned them over to sit with him. "Hi honey, how are you this morning?" Tony asked her as he moved over to make room for them.

"Fine dad. What's going on?" she asked.

"Wendell thinks he's in love with this girl. But I don't see anything special about her." Tony grumbled.

"Don't worry Tone." Wolf assured him. Although Wolf was a little concerned himself.

"Well, yeah, I mean she has to go home with all the other guests today anyway, right? Tony said. "What are you doing? Are you going back?"

"Yes we are daddy, after breakfast." Virginia told him.

"We are?" Wolf asked.

"Yeah, we have to. I have to work, I can't lose my job again." Virginia told him.

"Do you want me to come tomorrow, or not till next week?" Tony asked his daughter.

"Come next week Tony." Wolf said.

Virginia smiled. She knew that he would say that. "Well, Monday is my birthday, Wolf." She reminded him. Wolf just smiled.

"All the more reason for me to stay until next week," Tony said. "I'll find you a birthday present and come to see you on Sunday."

Wendell stood up and they stopped talking. The king tapped his spoon on his glass and cleared his throat to get the guests attention. "Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you once again for attending this very special ball. And I hope there will be another happy event to celebrate very soon." He smiled and glanced down at Ezmerelda.

"Oh jeez, he can't be serious," Tony groaned.

"Huff-puff, he really thinks she's the right person for him." Wolf whispered to Virginia.

Wendell continued, "My servants will bring the carriages around to the front at 11 o'clock for all of you to head back to your kingdoms. I once again say thank you and farewell." Then he sat down again and the crowd applauded.

"We'll leave then too, Wolf." Virginia said. Virginia finished her wine and then got up to leave. "I'm going to go and change."

"You want to leave now Virginia?" Wolf asked.

"No, we can wait until later if you want," She told him. She had a feeling that he really didn't want to leave at all.

"Oh huff, if we have to leave, we may as well do it now." Wolf sighed. "Coming to say goodbye Tony?" Wolf asked.

"Sure, one sec." Tony replied. Then he walked over to Wendell. "Excuse my your majesty, Virginia and Wolf need to go back home soon. I'm going to go and say goodbye."

"Very well, Anthony. Will you be going to see them tomorrow?" Wendell asked.

"No, I'll wait until next week," Tony told him.

"Excellent. I am holding a meeting tomorrow afternoon for all my advisors. There is something of utmost importance that I wish to discuss with all of you." Wendell smiled a tiny smile and Tony tried to repress a sigh.

"Okay your majesty. I'll be going now." And Tony hurried upstairs to the royal chambers where the mirrors were stored. As he approached, he heard Virginia giggle. `Wonder what's so funny?' he thought to himself. He entered the mirror room and found them standing in front of the mirror. Wolf was standing behind Virginia with his hands on her stomach and was kissing her shoulder. He was holding her much too close to him for his comfort. Tony decided to make his presence known, "So," he said loudly, "Ready to go then?"

Virginia wheeled around with a startled look in her eyes. "Yeah, we are." She said as she stared at the floor. Tony noticed that her ears were turning pink; they always did when she was nervous or embarrassed. Wolf just looked disgusted.

Virginia walked across the room and gave Tony a hug. "Bye daddy, see you next week."

"Bye honey. Happy birthday, I'll find you something really beautiful." He told her. Then he walked over to Wolf and hugged him around the shoulders. "See ya Wolf, take care of Virginia." Tony said.

"Don't worry Tony, your daughter is safe with me." Wolf grinned and Virginia came up beside him and took his hand.

"Bye daddy," she said as she stepped through the mirror. Wolf waved and followed her.

Tony stood at the side of the mirror, and when the picture returned, he saw them walk away. He shut down the mirror and sighed. Time to go back downstairs to Wendell.

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CHAPTER 13
Home Again

Virginia and Wolf walked through the park back to their apartment. "I don't think dad was very happy when he came into the mirror room," Virginia joked.

"No, perhaps not," Wolf said. "He'll really be upset when he sees what I have planned for your birthday." He grinned wolfishly.

Virginia unlocked the door of the apartment and walked inside. "What did you get me?" Virginia asked.

"That's a secret my sweet," he told her. "What would you like? How about a romantic candlelit dinner?"

"Remember what happened the last time you took me out to dinner?" she joked, "It wasn't very much fun."

"Oh, but this time it will be, just you wait!" Wolf practically bounced.

"Okay, I'm sure it will." I'll leave it all up to you." Virginia turned to him and leaned up to give him a kiss. "I love you so much Wolf."

Wolf ran his hand down her back and whispered, "I love you too, Virginia." She laughed and he thought that her laugh sounded like tiny silver bells, he loved it. "I'll take you to the best restaurant in New York."

Virginia reluctantly left his arms and started toward their room, "I have to get ready for work," she told him as she changed into her waitress uniform. "I shouldn't be too late tonight, will you be alright?" she asked.

"Of course, I'll walk with you and stop and pick up some more books on the way home." Wolf said. "Get Monday off, so we can have the whole night all to ourselves."

She smiled at him. "I will, don't worry, I'm all yours that night." Virginia got her coat "Are you coming? Let's go."

"Virginia," Wolf said.

"Yeah?"

"Can I borrow that card that you use to buy things so I can get your birthday present?" he asked her, and he made sure to give her his sweetest smile.

"Fine," she said, "But you'll have to sign it, that's how they work; just sign `Warren Lewis' okay?"

"Gladly."

When they arrived at the restaurant, Wolf kissed Virginia goodbye at the door. "Have a good night Virginia."

"Go right back home after you buy a present, and try not to buy anything too expensive. And don't get lost!" she reminded him as she headed into the kitchen. After she was inside Wolf smiled and headed toward the jewelry shop that he had seen on the way to the restaurant. Virginia never wore the singing ring that he'd bought her, even after all the trouble he went through to get it in the first place. She said that it attracted too much attention here. She had worn it at the ball, though, so he knew that she still loved it. He wanted her to have a ring that she could wear here.

As Wolf left the jeweler an hour later, he clutched the box in his coat pocket. He had found a beautiful ring, by far the most beautiful that he had ever seen here. It was simple, but beautiful all the same. The stone was a deep blue sapphire; in the shape of a heart. The color of the stone almost matched the color of her impossibly beautiful blue eyes. The band was white gold, and it shimmered in the light. He knew that she would love this ring. He smiled to himself as he unlocked the apartment door and went into Tony's old bedroom. Wolf decided to hide the ring in there, so Virginia wouldn't find it by mistake. That would ruin everything. As he left the room, he made sure that nothing looked disturbed. Satisfied, he went into the living room to wait for Virginia to come home.

Virginia left work around 6 o'clock and headed home. She passed a Chinese restaurant and realized how long it had been since she'd had some lemon chicken. She decided that Wolf wouldn't mind too much, she'd make him a steak. About fifteen minutes later, Virginia left the restaurant carrying containers of lemon chicken and fried rice. When Virginia got back to the apartment, she found Wolf asleep on the couch with a book on his chest. She smiled and knew that he'd wake up as soon as he smelled his dinner. She put a steak in the broiler, and sure enough, Wolf entered the kitchen as it was cooking. He opened up the pint of lemon chicken and winced, "What is that?"

"Lemon chicken, you won't like it. It's Chinese food." She told him.

Wolf closed the container back up and shook his head, trying to clear the scent out of his nostrils. "You're really going to eat that?" he asked her.

"Of course I am, it's my favorite," she laughed.

"Alright then," Wolf said as he sat down to eat.

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CHAPTER 14
Happy Birthday Virginia

The sunlight coming in through her bedroom window woke Virginia up on Monday morning. She turned toward Wolf, and laid her head on his chest. Without opening his eyes, Wolf reached around her and Virginia dozed off again, listening to Wolf's heartbeat.

A few hours later Wolf woke up, and gently shook Virginia. Obviously she still wasn't ready to get up; she whined something and turned over. He shook his head, and got up to go take a shower and buy her some flowers. Before he left, he crept back into the bedroom.

"Virginia, I have to go out, I'll be back soon." He told her.

"See you later," Virginia replied sleepily.

And with that, Wolf left, and headed outside in search of a florist. He eventually found the one where he had gotten the flowers for Virginia's grandmother. As Wolf entered the shop, a little bell sounded and a short man looked up from the desk. "May I help you sir?" he asked politely.

"Yes, I need some flowers for a birthday present," he told the man.

"Well, you've come to the right place," he told him, "What kind of flowers does she like?"

"I'm not really sure, she likes pink," Wolf said uncertainly. How could he not know what Virginia's favorite flowers were? Shouldn't every man know that? It was definitely something he would need to find out.

"Well, we have some beautiful tulips now," the florist pointed to the delicate flowers wrapped in a cellophane package.

"Great, I'll take those," Wolf said. "Do you have any candy?"

"Of course."

"I'll take some then," Wolf said.

"That'll be twenty dollars," the florist said.

Wolf approached the counter, and suddenly his eyes fell on a stuffed bear holding a small heart. "How much is this?" Wolf asked, waving the bear in the man's face.

"Five dollars, sir." The florist said.

"I'll take that too," Wolf said as he handed the man Virginia's card.

The man put the flowers in a long box with a gold ribbon, and the bear and chocolate in a bag with writing on it that read Le Petite Fleur. Wolf had no idea what that meant, but it didn't matter. Wolf left the flower shop and walked back to the apartment.

Soon after Wolf left, Virginia forced herself out of bed and into the bath. As she ran the water, she added the French lavender bubble bath that she had bought herself as a birthday present. The smell was wonderful. She stepped into the water and sank in until she was nearly submerged in the warm water, and she closed her eyes. Then she heard the door of the apartment burst open and Wolf call out, "Anyone here?"

"I just got in the bath," she called out.

"What would you like for breakfast?" Wolf asked her.

"Eggs would be nice, and there's some bacon in the fridge too." Virginia told him. She heard Wolf go into the kitchen and fling open the refrigerator door and everything in there rattled. He was such a noisy cook. The frying pans banged onto the stove and she heard him cracking open the eggs.

"Would you like some tea?" Wolf asked her.

"Thanks, that would be great."

Virginia stayed in the bath for about fifteen minutes, then got out as she heard Wolf setting the table, clanging all the dishes along the way. She slipped on the sundress that she had picked out for the day, ran a brush through her hair, and put just a little lipstick on before heading out to the kitchen.

When Wolf saw her he smiled and crossed the room. He took her in his arms and squeezed her so tight that she thought he would break her ribs. Then he loosened his grip, lifted her chin and gave her a full, passionate kiss. Virginia sighed as his lips moved away from her lips and down her neck. "You smell great Virginia."

"Thank you," she said.

"Breakfast is served," he pulled away and bowed her toward the table. Before she could sit down he leaped over and pulled out the chair for her. "There you are, sweetheart." Wolf brought over her eggs, his bacon, and the only two wineglasses in the apartment, filled with some orange juice that she'd bought. Virginia started to eat and was amazed at how Wolf could turn something as simple as eggs into the best meal of the day. "These are great, Wolf."

"Thank you." He smiled at her; "I bought you some presents." He got up and went into the closet where he'd hidden the presents he got at the florist. First he gave her the flower box and as she undid the ribbon her eyes lit up.

"Thank you. Tulips are my favorite. How did you know, did you ask my dad?" She asked him.

Good, now he knew what her favorite was. "No, I just thought that you would like these." He told her. Then he gave her the box of chocolates, and immediately she opened them and popped one in her mouth.

Finally Wolf gave her the teddy bear and Virginia didn't even stay sitting down. She came across the table and gave him a hug. "Thank you so much Wolf, I love you." She said into his shirt. "This is the best birthday I've had in a long time."

"Its not over yet, my love," he smiled at her.

While Virginia had been at work the night before, Wolf had taken the big yellow book, and looked up fine dining. Finding more choices than he could possibly explore himself, he closed his eyes and ran his finger down the page. When he opened his eyes, his finger had landed on a restaurant called The Loft. Wolf quickly grabbed a pen and paper and wrote down the address. He also decided to call and make a reservation, but at least he didn't need the whole restaurant this time.

Around 6 o'clock Wolf told Virginia that they were going out to dinner that night at a restaurant he had picked out.

"Where?" she asked him.

"That's my surprise, Virginia."

"Well, is it dressy?" Virginia said.

"I think it might be, it was listed as fine dining." Wolf told her.

Didn't he know what fine dining cost in New York? No, he probably didn't, after tonight she would have to remember to explain it to him. "Fine, I'll take out your jacket for you." She called from the bedroom. For herself she took out a black skirt and an oriental shirt that she had bought in Chinatown. That should be dressy enough. "When do you want to leave?" she asked him.

"Whenever you're ready, the reservation is at seven," he said.

"Okay, I'm ready, let's go." Virginia said as she came out of the bedroom.

"I'll be right there, go wait in the hall." Once Virginia was safely outside Wolf ran into Tony's bedroom to get the ring out of the drawer, and he stuffed it in his pocket. "Ready," he said as he locked the door after them.

Virginia got them a cab, and Wolf pulled the paper with the address written on it and gave it to the driver. "This is where we are headed, driver," Wolf told the man in the front seat. The taxi driver nodded and drove off without a word to acknowledge that he even heard him. Virginia smiled at the insulted look on Wolf's face; he hadn't learned how people acted in New York yet, no one was as friendly as he was.

After about fifteen minutes they arrived at the restaurant and Wolf led Virginia inside. It was small, and all lit with candles. The paintings were all modern art, and it made the place look fresh, despite the darkness from the candles. A waiter came up and Wolf told him that he had called for a reservation.

"Name?"

"Wolfson." Virginia wondered if that was a name that Wolf had used to keep himself out of trouble in the kingdoms, since he seemed to have no problem saying it as though it was his real name.

"Right this way, sir." The waiter said as he led them toward a table at the back of the restaurant. Virginia wondered if Wolf had requested a secluded table, this one was back in its own little alcove by a window that overlooked the nicest garden Virginia had ever seen in New York.

"Can I get you anything to drink?" the waiter asked.

"Just water for me," Virginia told him.

"That's fine." Wolf nodded and the waiter went away.

Wolf opened the menu and immediately his eyes landed on the meat. Ooh, they had LAMB! No, he would behave himself tonight, and not embarrass Virginia on her birthday. Biting his lip, he decided he would be better off with something he didn't enjoy quite so much.

"What are you going to get Virginia?" he asked her.

"I think I'll have shrimp primavera," she told him.

"What?"

"Its shrimp with pasta and vegetables, I think its great," she told him.

Goodness, she ate some strange things. But, before Wolf had a chance to try and figure out why she was ordering something like that, the waiter was back with a pad.

"Have you decided?" he asked glancing at Wolf and Virginia.

"Yes, I think I'll have.um.the chicken Parmesan," Wolf said quickly. He really didn't like it, but better to get something he wouldn't enjoy too much.

Virginia gave him a strange look, and then told the waiter what she'd like. "I'll have the shrimp primavera."

"So, that'll be the chicken Parmesan, and the shrimp primavera, right. I'll be back with your bread and salads." The waiter said as he headed away toward the kitchens.

"Why did you order that?" Virginia asked Wolf.

"I thought it would be better to get something I don't like very much."

Virginia smiled and Wolf decided to give her the ring now, it wasn't that big a deal, the first one had been a lot more difficult. He took the box out of his pocket and placed it on the table. "I bought you a present," he told her. Virginia opened the box and slipped the ring on her finger, tears in her eyes. "I thought you might like one that you could wear here," he told her. "I want everyone to know that you're my treasure."

It was poetry. And the ring was perfect. Virginia smiled and leaned over the table to kiss Wolf. "Thank you, its perfect." She told him. Then she laughed, "And I promise I'm not going to throw this one back in your face." Wolf took her hands and beamed, "I know you won't," he told her as he kissed her hands. Then the waiter came with their food.

Wolf and Virginia left the restaurant about an hour later and got a cab back home. Not wanting to go inside just yet, Virginia led Wolf across the street and into the park. "I just want to walk around for a little while, Wolf," she told him.

"Anything you want, but aren't you cold?" he asked her.

Virginia thought about that and come to think of it, she was a little chilly. She didn't want to upset Wolf, though, so she told him she wasn't. Obviously he couldn't be fooled that easily, he was already taking off his coat and placing it over her shoulders. She smiled, and put her arm around his waist and walked as close to him as she could without both of them tripping.

Eventually they headed back to the apartment. When they reached the door, Wolf unlocked the door, and carried her inside.

"What did you do that for?" she asked him.

"I don't know, I just wanted to." He told her. He took her face in his hands and kissed her forehead, cheeks, and the tip of her nose. Virginia giggled, she loved it when he was so sweet, and of course he was sweet most of the time. Then he bent down and kissed her lips. Virginia reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck; she didn't want to let him go. Finally they pulled apart and Wolf led her into their room. Virginia lay down and smiled up at him and as he lay down next to her he lost himself in her sky-blue eyes.

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CHAPTER 15
The Announcement

After the ball, Wendell knew that he wanted to marry Ezmerelda. He had never met anyone like her and knew he never would again. The only problem lay in proving to his council that he was making the right decision. Because he was the king, he had to get permission from his advisors to marry.

That was the reason that he called the meeting. Anthony however, seemed very upset about being called into a council session. He entered the chamber with a scowl that Wendell had never seen during all his time with him in the kingdoms. "Is there a reason why we're here at 8 o'clock in the morning your majesty?" Tony asked Wendell, trying, and failing, to keep the sarcasm out of his voice.

"Yes Anthony, I have made a decision about marriage and need to inform my advisors, you included, of that decision." Wendell replied.

"Well that's just great, sorry I'm not excited I have trouble getting excited in the wee hours of the morning." Tony said

"Wee hours? Its 8 o'clock Anthony!" Wendell exclaimed.

"Like I said."

Wendell ignored Tony's need to get in the last word and instead turned to his other advisors. "Gentlemen, as you know, the purpose of last week's ball was so I could find a suitable wife."

"Yes, most regrettable that one was not found your highness. We must hold another ball." Lord Rupert said.

"Lord Rupert, I have indeed found a maiden that I wish to make my bride," Wendell said indignantly.

"Indeed, sir?" asked the Lord Chancellor.

"Yes, the princess Ezmerelda of the 6th Kingdom." Wendell announced happily. "She was at the ball and I feel that she was without a doubt the most beautiful lady there."

"The 6th Kingdom sir?" asked Sir Laundem.

Something in the tone of his voice made Tony jerk out of the stupor that he was quickly falling into.

"Yes, why do you ask?" Wendell questioned the knight.

"Well sir, I could very well be mistaken; but I believe there to be no princess in the 6th Kingdom royal family, only two sons." Laundem replied.

"Rubbish. Lord Chancellor, look into this matter at once!" Wendell exclaimed feeling insulted and embarrassed both at the same time. "Could she be a commoner?"

"Well your majesty, it is entirely possible. Although we must remember that marriage to a lady of common blood has been legal since the days of the wondrous Cinderella." Lord Rupert told the king.

"I am well aware of that!" Wendell announced haughtily.

Tony couldn't restrain his questions any longer. "Well, if you can then what's the problem Wendell? -I mean your Majesty."

"The problem, Anthony, is that marrying a woman of common blood does not bode well for a king who nearly didn't become king due to a woman of common blood. It might very well cause unforeseen problems in the future" Wendell answered.

"Majesty," ventured the Lord Chancellor, "There is no reason for you to marry for anything but love in the current situation. Relations between kingdoms are stable and citizens are contented."

"Thank you Lord Chancellor I will take that into consideration when she is announced to the court in a fortnight; providing she arrives." And Wendell turned on his heel and left the council room.

"Lord Chancellor, do not forget to try and find out who this mysterious Ezmerelda is." Sir Laundem said as he left the room as well.

"Gentlemen." Tony said as he too left the room to go find where Wendell had gone. For being a king he still had an amazing amount of temper tantrums over nothing.

After the ball Ezmerelda had returned to the swamp to contemplate her next move in overthrowing the House of White. Again she took her goblet off the shelf and peered into the dark liquid. "My lady, I require your wisdom," she whispered into the goblet. Suddenly the queen's smiling face appeared.

"Did it go well, my child?" she asked Ezmerelda.

"The King seemed pleased to meet me." Ezmerelda told the queen with satisfaction.

"You foolish girl! Did you make him love you yet? I have little interest in whether or not that silly boy was interested in meeting you!" the queen yelled. "We have much to accomplish in a short amount of time."

"Forgive me your majesty." Ezmerelda begged. "I shall be going back in a fortnight when the King has made a decision regarding his choice of wife."

"Well, my dear, make sure that you are the one chosen." The queen snapped as her image dissolved from the liquid.

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CHAPTER 16
The Invitation

The next Sunday Tony left for New York once again through the mirror. He never had an opportunity to find a gift for Virginia. Wendell's announcement that he was having princesses inspected by the court in a fortnight's time had turned the whole castle upside down. If there was one thing these people loved it was a good party. When Tony stepped through the mirror it was pouring, he swore softly and started to run as fast as he could toward Virginia and Wolf's apartment.

Virginia was woken with a start by a loud peal of thunder that sounded like it was right over the apartment building. She sighed and rolled over, placing her pillow over her head to block out the sound of the storm. The storm had woken Wolf up too, but he kept his eyes closed knowing that he would fall back asleep eventually. He felt Virginia shift positions and opened one eye slightly to watch her. She looked so beautiful when she slept, her arm had fallen by his side and he took her hand in his and closed his eyes again. Virginia, who was already starting to fall asleep again, smiled to herself at Wolf's tenderness.

"I love you," she whispered as she closed her eyes again.

Suddenly there was a knock on the door and Virginia jumped out of bed in surprise. "Oh no, I forgot, dad's here today!" Quickly she grabbed some clothes and threw them on. "Wolf get up," she told him, "put these on," and she threw him a shirt and a pair of pants that were thrown over the back of the chair.

"Virginia?" she heard her father call from outside the door.

"Coming dad," she said as she walked toward the door. "Hi."

"You should really give me a key, it might be easier," Tony commented in what he hoped was an off-hand way.

"Do you really want one?" Virginia asked, she hoped that he wasn't serious.

Tony smiled at the look on his daughter's face when he suggested a duplicate key. It was a look of pure `please don't mean what you just said' he'd seen it all those times he'd grounded her when she was a kid. "No, I don't really want one," he lied. Then he noticed what she was wearing. "Were you in a hurry? Your shirt's on backwards." He told her. Virginia felt her ears go red.

"Morning Tony," Wolf said as he went towards the kitchen.

"Hi Wolf."

"So, dad how is everything in the 4th Kingdom?" Virginia asked her father. She was eager to get his attention on something other than her clothes.

"Well." Tony trailed off.

"What's the matter, Tony?" Wolf asked, as he poked his head out from the kitchen at the tone in Tony's voice.

"Wendell's arranged another party." Tony told them. Maybe the best way to do this was to ease them into it.

"That's great," Virginia said.

"Why is he having another party so soon?" asked Wolf, who understood better than Virginia how things worked in the nine kingdoms.

"He thinks he's found a wife." Tony announced.

"Not-" Virginia began.

"-Yeah, the `princess' from the 6th Kingdom."

"What's the matter?" Wolf asked.

"When Wendell brought it up at a meeting, Sir Laundem mentioned that there are no princesses in the royal family of the 6th Kingdom."

"Oh, is that bad?" Virginia asked.

"Not necessarily," Wolf told her. "You see, even royalty are allowed to marry whoever they want now."

"Oh, what's the problem then?" Virginia asked.

Tony found himself getting aggravated with his daughter. "What's the problem? She's lying to him.I know she's not even close to what she says she is."

"Tony, don't worry. King Wendell has advisors that will handle this. You don't understand kingdom politics well enough yet." Wolf tried to reassure him.

"Fine. Fine, I guess no one is worried about him. And that's all right. But if I'm right.everyone will be very, very sorry." Tony said.

"Well. Now that that's settled, Wolf and I were going to go out for breakfast this morning. Do you want to come?" Virginia asked her father.

"Alright." And Tony allowed himself to be steered out the door by his daughter and Wolf. When they were outside Virginia hailed a cab, not an easy task on a Sunday morning. Eventually though she got one to stop. Wolf was worried that she was going to get run over by these crazy people who didn't seem to notice that there was a person in front of them.

When they got in the cab Tony wasted no time in telling the driver where he wanted to go, before Virginia could take them to one of her weird restaurants.

"Where to Mister?" the driver asked.

"Carson's."

"That's on 75th and 66th right?"

"Yeah, that's the place." Tony said.

Virginia sighed; she never understood why her father liked that place. It wasn't that good. She could have cooked for herself what they served. Virginia hated spending money to eat something in a restaurant something that she could have cooked at home.

Wolf sat back in the cab and watched the city go by them. He was trying very hard to learn where things were in this impossibly huge city.

An hour later they emerged from the restaurant and went through the whole ordeal of getting a cab all over again. Virginia felt sick from the spinach omelet she'd had. Her father had of course gotten the same thing he got every time they went to that restaurant; eggs benedict with hash-browns and coffee. Wolf had bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich, which he took the egg off and just ate the bacon and cheese.

They arrived back at the apartment and as Virginia opened the door her father exclaimed, "Where did you get that ring?" as if he didn't know. "Oh, that's my birthday present from Wolf," she told him. Tony decided from the tone in her voice that it wasn't worth saying anything more about it. The rest of the day was spent back at the apartment. Tony learned that there was a Yankee's game on that afternoon and refused to budge from in front of the new TV. Wolf had begged to make dinner that night and eventually Virginia had agreed. She could hear him banging around the kitchen from where she sat watching baseball with her father.

"What is he doing in there?" Tony asked Virginia.

"Cooking."

"Uh, what exactly is he cooking?" Tony asked.

"Wolf, what are you making?" Virginia called into the kitchen.

"Chickens, do we have any potatoes?" Wolf asked.

"I don't think so."

"Well, it's not lamb.that's good." Tony murmured.

After Wolf's amazing dinner, Tony vowed to never say anything bad about Wolf's cooking again. "Oh, Wendell wants you to come back next Thursday for the debut of the princesses that he has a choice to marry." Tony told them.

"We'll be there," Wolf assured Tony.

"Okay then, I'd better get going, Virginia. Are you two coming with me to the mirror?" he asked as he got his coat and headed for the door of the apartment.

"No. I'm really exhausted." Virginia told her father.

"Alright, well I guess I'll be going then." Tony said as he turned to leave. "See you next Thursday when Wendell announces his choices for brides."

"Bye dad."

Tony left the apartment and Virginia went into the kitchen to see Wolf. "That was an absolutely great dinner tonight Wolf." She told him.

"Thank you." Wolf replied.

Virginia kissed him goodnight and then went into their room to go to bed. She could still hear Wolf cleaning up in the kitchen. Finally, he seemed to be finished and he came into their room.

"Are you alright?" he asked her, as he stroked her cheek.

"I'm fine, I'm just tired okay?" Virginia said. She knew that she sounded mean, but Wolf didn't seem to mind.

"Fine then. Good night." And without another word Wolf turned out the light and lay down beside her. Virginia sensed that she had hurt his feelings and snuggled up against him and fell asleep wrapped in his arms.

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CHAPTER 17
Debut

As the time for the king to make his decision on a bride drew nearer, Ezmerelda busied herself getting ready to put her plan into effect. She needed to make sure that the King chose her over the other two choices. Ezmerelda examined her reflection in the mirror and felt sure that they were of no consequence, and easily defeated. Once again she decided to consult the goblet.

"My lady, the time draws nearer." Ezmerelda said to the misty apparition that formed in the liquid.

"Oh, and has the King any other choices for brides?" The queen asked.

"Two other choices remain," Ezmerelda said, "Princess Riding Hood III from the 2nd Kingdom and Princess Laurel from the 8th Kingdom."

"Kill them. Make sure that you are chosen." And the queen's image vanished.

After sunset that night, Ezmerelda left for King Wendell's castle. She did not need to prepare.the poison was already done. She would follow the queen's advice and make sure that she was the only choice for the King's bride. The poison she had made smelled bittersweet inside its pouch, a quick and silent killer that no one would suspect.

Wolf and Virginia arrived at King Wendell's palace a few days before the debut ball. Wolf just wanted to be home, and Virginia was very worried about what might happen. When they stepped through the mirror, Tony was waiting with Wendell and Prince. Prince barked and jumped on Virginia, licking her face while her father and Wendell laughed. Wolf took a deep breath; the air was so much cleaner and fresher here, even in the palace. He hated the heavy oily smell of the city where he and Virginia lived, but he didn't have the heart to tell her that.

King Wendell came forward and greeted them warmly. "My friends, welcome back," he beamed at them and Virginia's heart sank, despite his cheerful greeting. All she could think about was that he was so happy because he was going to be married to a woman that he loved but knew nothing about. She conveniently forgot that Wolf had fallen in love with her the same way. Wendell did not seem to notice her look of worry, and set into describing the festivities that came with choosing a queen. All three princesses would be announced for inspection by the court one at a time, then came the ball, and then at the end of the night Lord Rupert would tell the king who the court had chosen and Wendell could then make the announcement.

"Who are the choices?" Virginia asked.

"Well, Princess Ezmerelda of the 6th Kingdom, Princess Riding Hood III of the 2nd Kingdom, and Princess Laurel of the 8th Kingdom." Wendell replied.

"What time does it start?" Wolf asked Wendell.

"7 o'clock." Tony replied, since Wendell didn't seem to be paying attention.

Virginia decided to wear the dress that she had worn to the last ball, and went up to the room that her and Wolf shared while they stayed at the castle. Sure enough, there it was in the closet. She took it out and tried it on, but she couldn't get it buttoned all the way, she was getting fat. Virginia sighed in exasperation and headed down to the sewing room to have it let out a little. It was really time to tell her father that she was pregnant, there was no denying it now she realized as she looked at her reflection in the mirror. For the longest time she had hoped that maybe Wolf was wrong, she wasn't sure she wanted children. But she couldn't say anything until this debut ball was over.her father had enough to worry about.

Later, Wolf came to escort her to the debut. "Where have you been?" she asked him.

"Just popped out for a walk." Virginia noticed that he didn't quite meet her eyes when he said that.

"Well, let's go or we'll be late." Virginia said.

Wolf didn't say anything more, and they went downstairs to the dining hall where they saw Tony seated at one of the tables, although he wasn't at the high table tonight, because of all the visiting court members there to choose a bride for Wendell. Wolf led Virginia toward the table and pulled out the chair for her next to her father.

"Hi Honey," Tony said as she sat down.

Just then the orchestra started playing and Lord Rupert went to the front of the room. "Lords and Ladies of the 4th Kingdom, It is my great joy to announce King Wendell's 3 lovely choices of brides." The room became hushed. "Princess Laurel of the 8th Kingdom," Princess Laurel appeared at the top of the stairs wearing a green dress, with a crown of white roses around her head and her long black hair flowed like a river down her back. There were appreciative ooh's and ahh's throughout the room. When it was again quiet, Lord Rupert announced Ezmerelda and Virginia was once again awestruck by how beautiful she was. Her red hair was draped over her shoulders and her dress matched the dark green of her eyes perfectly. She glanced at Wendell and wasn't surprised to see a large smile on his face as Ezmerelda glided down the stairs and took her seat next to Laurel. "And finally," Lord Rupert continued, "Princess Red Riding Hood III of the 2nd Kingdom." Princess Riding Hood appeared in the traditional red cape and riding boots. She began to clap with everyone else until she saw the look on Wolf's face; she'd never seen him look so mean.

With the announcements done, servants appeared from the doorways and began serving food. Virginia was always amazed at the variety of foods she had seen at the royal functions: chicken, beef, lamb, fish, and every kind of vegetable done in soups, stews, and salads. Wolf bit his lip and looked at Virginia questioningly when a waiter offered him the plate of lamb chops. Virginia smiled at him and Wolf let out the breath he had been holding with a grin as the waiter delicately placed the chops in front of him. Wolf deserved a break once in a while, as long as he remembered where he was and didn't eat like an animal. Virginia braced herself as Wolf began to eat; thankfully, he seemed to be trying very hard to maintain his `human' table manners. Virginia choose some stewed chicken and vegetables, which turned out to be delicious; even if it did taste a little like chicken pot pie.

During the meal, Virginia noticed that the members of the court were all absent, probably deciding on a bride for Wendell. As dinner wound to an end, the Lord Chancellor came forward from the head table to announce the choice of wife. "And so, ladies and gentlemen, without further ado, I am pleased to announce," Tony sighed, why couldn't these advisors ever get to the point? "The members of King Wendell's court have concluded that the best match for King Wendell, honorable ruler of the 4th Kingdom, is Princess Laurel of the 8th Kingdom." Cheers erupted from the tables. Virginia joined in the clapping enthusiastically; she was so relieved that Ezmerelda had not been chosen. She glanced at the three princesses, Laurel was beaming, Red Riding Hood III looked close to tears, which didn't upset Virginia in the slightest. What scared her was the look of pure venom on Ezmerelda's face as she looked around the hall. Virginia nudged Wolf in the ribs and jerked her head towards Ezmerelda. Wolf frowned.

"Do you think we need to worry about her?" Virginia asked Wolf.

"I don't know." Wolf replied quietly.

Their conversation was cut short by Wendell going over to the princesses and escorting Laurel up the stairs onto the landing. "Ladies and Gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure to announce that I will be marrying Princess Laurel of the 8th Kingdom." Wendell was grinning ear to ear. Tony was glad that he wasn't upset, or even aware that his advisors, including himself, had pushed for another choice besides the mysterious Ezmerleda.

Virginia and Wolf left the 4th Kingdom after the party because Virginia had to go to work the next morning.

"Bye honey, I'll see you soon." Tony said as he hugged Virginia.

"When's the wedding going to be?"

"No idea. By the time these people decide on anything, it could be next year." Tony grinned. Wolf turned on the mirror and took Virginia's hand.

"Ready?"

"Okay, lets go, bye dad." And she followed Wolf through the mirror.

Tony stood and watched for a minute before turning off the mirror and going to look for Wendell.

Ezmerleda left the castle hurriedly after the announcement, and her defeat. She dreaded telling the queen that not only had she failed to quell the competition, but Wendell was going to marry another. To her horror, as she reached the swamp cottage, the very water began to echo with the queen's voice.

"Well?"

"Forgive me your majesty, the King's council chose another." Ezmerelda told the queen in the water.

"You foolish, useless girl! Did I not tell you to make sure that you couldn't fail?" the queen yelled.

"What must I do now?"

"All is not lost, you must kill this princess. And make sure you do it right."

"But how? She will be watched closely from now on." Ezmerelda told the queen in desperation.

"Do it! I don't care how!" and the queen vanished from the water.

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